Friday, 30 May 2014

Don't you just hate wearing glasses and contact lenses? I was wearing them for about 23 years and it was no fun!

As an active person, it is such a nuisance whenever my glasses slip down my nose when I sweat or my contact lenses come off when I wipe my face with a towel. Wearing glasses causes discomfort and pain at my nose bridge and at my ears. Wearing contact lenses causes eye irritation and dryness especially towards the end of the day. My eyes would periodically be infected by bacteria if the lenses are not adequately cleaned. I used to buy disinfectant for my contact lenses and that helped a bit. However, the lenses would soon feel rigid and uncomfortable towards the end of the monthly life-cycle. I could have opted for daily contact lenses for improved cleanliness but that's way too expensive.

I started talking to people about lasik and I received mixed opinions- some would say nay, some would say aye. Nay-sayers commented on the high cost and safety aspects of the procedure. Also, there is no guarantee that the power won't increase over time after the procedure. Aye-sayers swear by the comfort and freedom after the procedure. But they also warned about the slightly blur vision immediately after the procedure and eye dryness for the initial few months.

I visited websites of a few lasik centres to better understand the procedure and risks involved. There are a few key players to consider and their pricing is quite competitive. I've also asked former lasik patients to introduce their ophthalmologist to me.

I was keen but worried at the same time.

Enter FFB. We were enjoying our burger lunch in Bangsar Baru one afternoon and I popped the subject of lasik procedure.

"You should go see my friend. He does lasik and he previously fixed my ripped cornea. Here's his mobile number", FFB said.

After keying in the eye doctor's mobile number into my phone, I dropped him a sms to introduce myself. He replied saying I should visit his centre for a suitability check. But I needed to be off contact lenses for about a week. I was actually off contact lenses for over a month as the prolonged bad haze was irritating my eyes.

I called his centre to make an appointment. As soon as that's done, I read information on his website a few times to familiar myself with the procedure, risks etc.

Property of Mr Flabby Less

Brochures and price list from the lasik centre

The initial check was pretty quick, about 20 minutes or so. The power of my eyes were recorded and the usual eye tests were performed. After that, they announced that I qualify to proceed with the procedure. The entire procedure was explained to me clearly- all 3 steps, which are painless (yay!). They didn't promise 100% result and offered a realistic 95% improvement in my vision post lasik procedure. What I should and shouldn't do after lasik were also highlighted. They kept reminding me to look at the red light during the procedure for better results. Mental note...red for red-light district! *chuckle*

I liked them as they didn't hard sell the procedure to me. They told me to go back and consider and return only when I'm ready to proceed with the procedure. I appreciated their professionalism. I would have ran away if they had given me the old sales pitch!

Naturally, I discussed this with Wifey when I got home. She advised me to consider carefully especially the risks involved. Yes, she agreed it was affordable at slightly over RM4,000 for both eyes but I needed to be aware of the side effects etc.

A few days later on a Thursday morning when we were spending time with our kids at the Farm in the City in Seri Kembangan (it was school holidays then), I declared to Wifey "I think I'll proceed with lasik. Since I'm on annual leave tomorrow (Friday), I could do it then. I know it's very last minute. Let me call them and see whether they have an available slot. If yes, then it's meant to be". I called the centre and there was a slot at 2.30pm on Friday for me! It was a sign and I greeted it with open arms! I'm so gonna be having 20/20 vision soon!

I was out the entire Friday morning with my family and it was another great day spending time with my kids. After lunch, we rushed home and I hurriedly showered, washed my face and shampooed my hair (as instructed before going for lasik). I arrived just 5 minutes before my scheduled appointment and they immediately prep my eyes. Eye drops were applied to dilate my eyes. Then I had to wear a blue head piece to cover my hair and a blue coat to cover my body. Just before I entered the operating room, anaesthetic drops were applied on my eyes.

The ophthalmologist was a picture of calm when I saw him. He guided me calmly with his clear voice. Once I'd settled in, he told me he would give me a heads up before he did anything. This way, I would be aware of his every action and less anxious of the procedure (not too sure about the latter!). He also reminded me to keep looking at the red light.

He started with my right eye. He affixed a gadget to hold back my eyelids. This prevented me from blinking. The next gadget sucked onto my cornea. It made a terribly irritating and painful grinding sound as it cut a thin layer of my cornea. My cornea was lifted back (think opening a window!) and my vision became blur at once. Antibiotics were applied. I was told to keep looking at the red light, which I did. He then started zapping the laser beam into my eye. I hated the burnt smell! My eyes were barbequed! More antibiotics were applied after that. Thereafter, he placed my cornea back into position by flipping it forward (think shutting a window!). There was no stitching involved. Immediate a plastic cover was placed over my eye and taped up. After about 30 seconds, he moved on to my left eye and the same process followed.

I remember half way through my second eye, I held my breath for awhile as I started getting distressed. The lack of vision and burnt smell finally got to me and I felt partially numb. I think at one point I was pressing my body hard against the table trying to distant myself from the laser beam (yeah I was chicken shit!)!

The entire process was over is a matter of minutes. I would say less than 10 minutes. There was absolutely no pain throughout the entire procedure. Only my mind and my heart were racing! It was simply nerve-wrecking!

After he had covered my left eye, I was led to a dark room. I spent the next 40 minutes or so there. My eyes were mostly closed during that time. I tried opening my eyes now and then to see things but my vision was still blur.

Property of Mr Flabby Less

Me with my sunglasses just before leaving the lasik centre

My ophthalmologist came into the dark room once I've adequately rested my eyes. He removed the plastic covers and put on my sunglasses for me. He reminded me not to wash my face or hair until the next day. He also assured me that my vision will improve over the next few hours. Finally, before I left, he advised me to diligently apply the prescribed eye-drops.

Property of Mr Flabby Less

Prescribed eye-drops

With a relieved heart, I walked downstairs and waited for Wifey to pick me up. I immediately noticed my improved vision as I looked around Mid Valley. That was just an hour or so after my lasik procedure! I was amazed by the result!

Property of Mr Flabby Less

I wore protective plastic eye covers before going to bed

That night, I had to sleep with protective plastic eye covers. There could be a risk of the cornea moving out of position if anything or anyone accidentally hit my eyes. Rubbing my eyes against the pillow when sleeping could also move the cornea. It was scary shit! I didn't sleep well that night.

In the next morning, my vision was much clearer. The improvement was remarkable! My vision was still slightly hazy but I didn't have to wear glasses or contact lenses to see anymore! I was able to drive myself back to the lasik centre for check up!

Post lasik, I had to periodically return to the lasik centre for check-ups. My vision was not very clear initially but it has improved after a few weeks. My vision is now clearer and sharper. My eyes get dry occasionally and I would just have to apply some eye-drops.

I'm so glad I was ballsy enough to proceed with lasik. I feel like a new person without having to wear glasses and contact lenses. The freedom is priceless!

Sunday, 25 May 2014

Read this article not long ago on Facebook and I thought it would be good to share in my blog for the benefit of my blog readers/followers...

Scientists of today note honey as very effective medicine
for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which
is definitely a plus.Today's science says that even though honey is sweet,
when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm
even diabetic patients. It is found that a mix of cinnamon and honey cures most diseases.

Researched by Western scientists:

HEART
DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast
instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces
the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also,
even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept
miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey
strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes
have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the
arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and
cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS:
Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two
tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When
taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research
conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the
doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey
and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that
within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients
were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the
patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now
started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two
tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of
lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder....who
knew?

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three
teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a
cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the
blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic
patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be
cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure
honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one
tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three
days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the
sinuses, and it's delicious too!

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed
that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of
gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder
strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and
viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and
iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white
blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral
diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two
tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and
digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain
has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the
influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea
made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the
ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of
cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink
1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and
arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start
performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT:
When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and
sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without
symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon
of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before
sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done
daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN
INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the
affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour beforebreakfast and on
an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon
powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the
weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture
regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though
the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research
in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach
and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these
kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one
teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is
more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body.
Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are
more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a
half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with
cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease,
when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M.,
the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH:
People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon
powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath
stays fresh throughout the day.

Wednesday, 21 May 2014

One of my fav wineries. Although the label says "cabernet sauvignon", this wine is actually a blend of 75% cabernet sauvignon, 11% merlot, 10% cabernet franc, 2% syrah, 1% petit verdot and 1% malbec. This is perhaps the reason for its more complicated (in a good way) taste and note compared to a bottle of straight cabernet sauvignon.

Friday, 9 May 2014

I ordered this at an Italian restaurant to go with my pizza and I wasn't disappointed! I thoroughly enjoyed the density and silky smooth texture, almost creamy. Not all too sweet and complimented the procuitto in my pizza. A very easy drinking wine, I must say. Definitely worth checking out!

Thursday, 1 May 2014

It's time once again to change my workout programme. I still maintain a 3 day weight training programme and try to squeeze in 30-40 mins low impact cardio to burn fat.Here's my new training programme:-

This programme will not only work your target muscles but also raise your heart rate for cardio training as well. Look at it as a 2-in-1 programme (my fav as I'm always pressed for time).

I've omitted the weight as it differs for everyone. Basically just make sure you are comfortable with the weight that you lift and you are able to achieve the prescribed number of reps and sets. Increase the weight gradually over time when the initial weight gets easier.

About Me

A Malaysian corporate consultant/manager who is also an avid fitness buff. Formerly flabulous. Trying hard to be fabulous. Enjoys the finer things in life (especially good food and wine!)...which is probably why fabulosity is rather illusive. Believes fitness is a way of life, not a fad. Firm believer of fitness being a life-long commitment and way of life. Fitness it's a marathon, not a sprint.

Greetings

Hi, I'm Less....Flabby Less (trying to mimic James Bond!) :-P

Welcome to my humble blog.

In this blog, I shall share my personal thoughts, experiences and knowledge about health and fitness, training programmes, nutrition and supplements, food (sinfully delicious food included!), wine/spirits (how can we not pair sinfully delicious food with elixir of life?!) and the likes. Occasionally, I may even share random stuff too.

I hope you enjoy reading my posts. Feel free to drop me an email should you have any queries. I'm happy to respond and ever ready to make new friends.

Ciao,Mr. Flabby Less

Disclaimer

Posts found in this blog are strictly the private opinion and view of Mr. Flabby Less, mostly from personal experience.

Photos, videos and web links are not properties of Mr. Flabby Less, save for when explicitly mentioned.